We went through Ennis on our way to Galway
Leaving Newmarket-on-Fergus, we headed north on the N18, which took us through Ennis on our way to Galway City. It was a wonderful drive, but I have to be honest, I don't remember much as I was just trying to take the landscape all in! I think what I remember most is all of the beautiful bright colors on the buildings!
As we neared Galway we grew nervous, as up to this point we were just winging it and really didn't know how to get where we were supposed to be. We had no real directions and the maps we had weren't as detailed as we would have liked! I have since learned from this trip to get detailed directions to our accomodations and more detailed maps of destinations.
After finally finding our hotel in Galway (Brennen's Yard) and parking the car the real fun began! We checked in, left our bags and began to explore!
Galway is a wonderful place with much to offer the eager tourist.
"Failte Claddagh" Welcome Claddagh.
It's not overwhelming, easy to navigate and is loads of fun! We got a map of the city from the hotel and proceeded to check off almost every site on the list. First was the Spanish Arch, built in 1584 to protect the quays where Spanish ships unloaded cargo. Our second site the Cathedral of Our Lady assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas. It's a beautiful cathedral with a magnificent dome located beside the Salmon Weir Bridge. Our third destination was the district of Claddagh, home of the famous Claddagh ring. It was once an Irish-speaking fishing village outside the walls of the old town. We walked along the Claddagh Quay to Salthill, a seaside resort town 2 miles west of Galway. The walk didn't seem like it was that long so the fresh bay breeze must have relaxed us.
The Spanish Arch.
We turned around and walked back to Galway City, bringing us to our next destination: Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas. It's a beautiful little church, with a lot of history. The guide that we picked up states that Christopher Columbus almost certainly worshipped here in 1477.
After leaving St. Nicholas we walked to Eyre Square to check out Kennedy Park, Browne's Doorway and the Quincentennial Fountain, put there in 1984 to mark the 500th anniversary of the granting of a charter to the city by King Richard in 1484. A quick trip to an internet cafe, the tourist office and some shops we went back to our hotel to rest before heading out for dinner at Nimmo's (see review). That rounded out our first day in Galway!
Nimmo's was by far my favorite place that I ate at while in Ireland, in fact my friend and I ate here two nights in a row because we loved it so much, though we did branch out our last night in Galway at another restaurant... but that's another review altogether. The atmosphere of Nimmo's was cozy, intimate and friendly. Our table was in an alcove with a small window that afforded us a view of the River Corrib as it empties into the Galways Bay. We were not rushed through our meal, even though they had people waiting for tables. This is also the first place I was ever served Coca Cola with a wedge of lemon it it. I had the most delicious Salade Nicoise I have ever had and I seven years later I still think about it- that and the potato leek soup.
the business card from Nimmo's t
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Nimmo's is the building with the
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This hotel was comfortable, clean and in a great central location in downtown Galway. We were able to walk everywhere in Galway City. I would stay there again any day. There was also a parking structure very near, which was very convenient. We also had a really decent free continental breakfast here.
the entrance to Brennan's Yard.
